Sox Lose Again, This Time 8-3

In their 2 straight losses neither Clay Buchholz nor Rick Porcello could shutdown the Orioles offense.  Both gave up 11 hits in short outings.  An the O's pitchers have kept the Red Sox offense in check, save for a 3-run blast by Hanley Ramirez.  As more short, uneffective outings mount up so will the theory that the Sox do need a dependable #1 starter like Cole Hamels.  But the price will be steep, so that's the quandry.  Some combination of Swihart, Owens &/or Betts are in the mix if the Sox are serious about a trade.  And, if they trade for Hamels, the Sox pick-up the large financial commitment for a pitcher in his 30's which goes against their stated philosophy.  I predicted the Sox to go 11-11 in April & at 7-5 thus far they are outpacing my prediction.  While talks with the Phillies are on-going I expect Ben to want a few more turns around the rotation before pulling the trigger on a Hamels trade.